Duty, Determination, and Dedication: ACP Surinder Jeet Kaur’s Inspiring Story

February 19, 2024

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Image Source: ABP News

In the small town of Gurdaspur, Punjab, a young girl watched her father, a constable in the Delhi Police, struggle to provide for their family of six. This girl, Surinder Jeet Kaur, saw firsthand the challenges of having a single income in a large family. Despite these hardships, her mother, who lacked formal education, instilled in her children the value of education. Kaur’s early life was a battle against financial constraints, yet her spirit remained unbroken.

The journey wasn’t easy. Moving back to Punjab for education, Kaur faced a significant hurdle: the transition from Hindi to Punjabi medium. But her determination knew no bounds. She worked in the fields, studied by candlelight, and managed household chores, all while keeping her academic dreams alive. Inspired by the powerful quote  “ ख़ुदी को कर बुलंद इतना कि हर तक़दीर से पहले, ख़ुदा बंदे से ख़ुद पूछे बता तेरी रज़ा क्या है ” Kaur pushed through these challenges, eventually topping her class in the 8th standard—a testament to her hard work and dedication.

A Dream Takes Flight

Kaur’s admiration for Kiran Bedi, the first woman to join the Indian Police Service, fueled her ambition to don the police uniform. Despite her father’s initial hesitation and the societal norms that restricted her freedom, Kaur’s dream remained unshaken. Her journey to becoming a police officer was marked by personal sacrifices, including a hunger strike to convince her parents to let her pursue further education. 

She excelled academically, earning money through sewing and making envelopes, and completed a diploma in office management. Facing a choice between becoming a stenographer and a sub-inspector, Kaur chose to serve in the police force while her parents were away. Her father was unaware of this decision. 

Breaking Barriers

Kaur’s entry into the Delhi Police was in a male-dominated field, where she constantly had to prove her worth. She refused to settle for the leniency shown towards women in physical training. She secretly studied hard and worked out to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her male colleagues. Her determination paid off as she topped her batch, excelling in all areas, especially law. She underwent training to learn how to ride motorcycles and trucks. Despite facing negative comments from her female coworkers, who warned her that her male instructor might attempt inappropriate contact, she ignored their discouragement. Her advice is to never allow anyone to demoralize you. The highlight of her career came when she met her role model, Kiran Bedi, who recognized her achievements with a warm embrace and an opportunity to work closely together. This moment solidified Kaur’s belief in her path and her ability to make a difference.

Service and Sacrifice

Kaur’s 38 years of service in the police force were marked by notable challenges such as political rallies like the Anna Hazare’s Hunger Strike, religious functions, and particularly her efforts to fight the issues in Kamla Market’s red-light district. Her dedication to rescuing women and young girls from brothels earned her the President’s Police Medal and recognition from various NGOs. This period was a testament to her courage, facing threats and overcoming obstacles to bring about change. 

However, her personal life brought its own trials. Following her mother’s passing, she became the primary caregiver for her family. She faced an even greater challenge when her son was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, requiring injections that cost 5 lakhs monthly. To ensure he could receive the treatment for free, she arranged for him to study abroad. During this period, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, affecting every member of her family, including herself. Tragically, she lost her husband to the virus, and with her son stranded abroad, she was left to perform her husband’s last rites alone. It was an incredibly tough period as she had to provide for her family, offer emotional and financial support to her son, and navigate her feelings of being lost. Despite these hardships, she faced the situation with courage.

A New Chapter

After 38 years of exemplary service, Kaur retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Police, but her journey didnot end there. She pursued a law degree, aspiring to continue making a difference as a practicing lawyer. Kaur’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the impact of perseverance against all odds.

A Message of Hope

Surinder Jeet Kaur’s life is a beacon of hope and resilience. Her advice to the younger generation is a testament to her indomitable spirit: never let anything break you, seek support during tough times, and always strive to make a difference. Her journey from a small village in Punjab to the corridors of the Delhi Police is not just a story of personal achievement but a narrative of inspiration, urging us to fight for our dreams and stand firm in the face of adversity.

Also Read: IPS Manjita Vanzara: Weaving Empathy and Transformation in Policing